An organization's IT infrastructure monitoring needs to provide alerts for unplanned downtime and network intrusion and secure the systems and data. To accomplish this, File Integrity Monitoring (FIM) can be implemented. Whether you're looking to add an FIM to secure your enterprise or switch FIM software, there are key features your FIM software should have.
1. Easy Installation and Configuration
When evaluating vendors that offer any type of file integrity monitoring or compliance software, an area of concern is the level of installation difficulty. Software that is too difficult to install, configure, and use negates the goal of helping IT personnel in security and compliance.
Having a FIM solution that offers convenience and simplicity ultimately saves your business money, which in turn increases ROI. When your software can operate independently from a single security dashboard, you also waste less time and can focus on what truly matters for your company.
If the task of learning a new file integrity monitoring solution still feels daunting to employees, see if the vendor offers training on how to utilize the new software. In the end, it will be worth it for everyone to understand how file integrity monitoring works for the business and that your employees, the people you trust, understand the primary functions and capabilities.
However, as we previously discussed in 7 File Integrity Monitoring Best Practices, the features of FIM solutions can vary drastically. Though this list is not all-inclusive, the following features are valuable to look for when researching FIM.
- Real-time notifications
- Multi-platform support
- Centralized control
- Master-agent configuration mode
- Differentiation between positive, neutral, and negative changes
- Advanced automation
- Advanced and Flexible Reporting
2. Prevent Changes to Critical files
Your organization will rely on this system to guard servers, workstations, network devices, and databases and ensure policies are aligned both internally and externally. For optimal security, your FIM software needs to track and document all changes made to servers, devices, and routers—in other words, complete infrastructure and change monitoring.
According to Verizon's 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, there were 16,619 data security incidents, with 1,877 resulting in confirmed data disclosure in the U.S. alone. Changes in critical files can lead to breaches. By keeping records of critical files, a company can determine who, what, and when something has changed. A tool that can monitor such changes is known as file integrity monitoring (FIM).
FIM not only detects changes in critical files but also monitors related items such as installed software and local users and groups. It also protects against changes to VMware ESX and ESXi host configurations.
3. Cloud Integration
Traditional FIM software has evolved as cybersecurity threats have increased. It is now pertinent that your FIM tool is one that can be integrated into the Cloud. A file integrity monitoring tool that can integrate into the Cloud can protect your system from zero-day vulnerabilities when hackers are able to affect not just your programs and data but your enterprise.
Cloud security is a valuable asset to have within an organization to maintain a secure state. It protects you from malicious threats that may have slipped by your firewall and even your intrusion detection software.
4. Open-Source (OS) and Freemium Issues
Though some organizations may attempt to use open-source (OS) FIM software, there are specific software features to keep in mind. Limited operating system coverage, difficulty with use, poor logging, and upgrade issues are just a few of the reasons organizations may struggle with an open-source FIM tool. Additionally, there is often a lack of enterprise management functions.
Open-source FIM may not be wrong for your organization, but to further decide, we recommend more in-depth coverage of this topic, with Is Open Source File Integrity Monitoring Too Risky?
File Integrity Monitoring = Robust Information Security
With the right FIM solution, you’re able to detect active intruders by tracking and even reversing changes automatically. Looking to implement a FIM solution? Request a demo of CimTrak to see how a next-gen FIM tool can strengthen your security today.
